Society of Editors business session - Sports RightsAndrew Moger, Executive Director, News Media Coalition View Andrew Moger's presentation here
Report by Melanie Hall and Hannah Waldram Editorial freedom is not as safe as you may think. Andrew Moger, executive director of News Media Coalition, said there were more restrictions about reporting on events than journalists realised, especially as more areas of the media go digital.
"Where there is a major event there is a major restriction," said Mr Moger. He raised the issue of how selling media rights by mega-events could block 'future' editorial developments, where some event rights are sold ten years in advance. Organisers of these mega-events argue that they own the rights to anything that is created during the event, be it audio, image or video. Mr Moger highlighted the concerns in Australia where press companies such as AFL (Australian Football League) feel unable to cover major national games because of rights issues. When questioned on whether there would be restrictions on video taken at football matches for the purposes of blogging, Mr Moger replied: "They could be stopped because there are terms reproduced on the back of tickets stating that you cannot create content and share it with a third party." This may restrict opportunities for mobile sports reporting in the future. Mr Moger added that the issues did not just affect sporting events. He said: "This is not just about sport. Anything which has an accreditation attached to it has terms which can affect editorial opportunities and business freedom." Mr Moger finished his speech with important thoughts for editors to take away with them. "Please make sure everyone in your company is aware, know what is being signed in your name, tune into what is happening and make sure you challenge unacceptable terms," he said. [<< back] |
